This qualitative study investigates the potential role of English lingua franca in the construction of identity in study abroad contexts. The research data were collected using semi-structured interviews and participant observation. The participants in this study were ten former exchange students who spent at least one academic semester abroad. As will be shown, practices, networks, language learning experiences, and ideologies are crucial to understanding the process of identity. The data analysis shows that English and studying abroad both contribute to the forging of a global identity.